From expanding minds to easing them, bedtime stories are great for children’s bodies and brains. Discover 6 ways reading a bedtime story is as important as the comfort of kids’ pyjamas!
6 Ways Reading a Bedtime Story Is As Important As Choosing Kids Pyjamas
Many parents have memories of being read a bedtime story as a child. It is an inherent part of growing up, yet research conducted by BookTrust found that less than half of children are read to before bed - this is already a significant decline from ten years ago, when it was found that in 2014 80% of parents did so. As a parent, grandparent or babysitter, when was the last time you read a child a bedtime story?
The activity shouldn’t be lost in times of technology and busy schedules. It is half an hour each evening, each week for parents to connect with their children – broadening their imaginations and their vocabulary, while diving into new worlds together from the comfort of their pyjama sets. In this blog, we will look at six key benefits of bedtime reading, and why, as a step in their bedtime routine, it is as important as their comfort.
- Brain training
- Signal for sleep
- Physical relaxation
- A deeper bond
- A broader mind
- Conversation creator
Brain training
Not only is a book at bedtime a key bonding activity for families, but it is vital to children’s education and development. A recent study found that 30 per cent of five-year-olds are falling behind the expected reading levels. This can change. Think about the time you take to help them change into a fresh set of pyjamas or brush their teeth, while also understanding the importance of doing so. Why not apply that same philosophy to reading a book at bedtime?
Signal for sleep
Another benefit is the inherent link which can be created between a bedtime story and it being time to sleep. Often children have more energy than they can expel in a typical day, and a 7 PM bedtime seems impossible when they are still racing around the house. Asking them to slip into their cosy pyjama sets, wrap themselves in their dressing gown, and choose a bedtime story can create a more effective bedtime routine and help them relax. Meaning more sleep for both of you!
Physical relaxation
Books quieten the mind. They transport the reader to a far-away land and distract them from the day, relaxing the muscles and the mind to prepare for quality sleep. Reading can help to ‘de-stimulate’ the brain, a much-needed activity following a busy day at nursery or school – where children experience constant learning and stimulation. This benefit comes back to the idea of routine. Once reading a book before bed becomes part of the process of getting ready to sleep, after brushing their teeth and choosing their pyjama set, the calm, repetitive action can give them a sense of security while preparing their mind for rest.
A deeper bond
Reading as a regular activity can improve the interpersonal relationship and connection with your child. It gives parents and children quality time to do an activity together without distractions. It provides a chance to explore a new world together. You can laugh together, learn together, and dream together. It may open up questions they otherwise would never think to ask and prompt the sharing of personal stories which otherwise may never be told. Reading can be an effective form of emotional intimacy.
A broader mind
The exposure to new characters, new worlds and new concepts is invaluable. While routine and familiarity are key parts of a child’s development, the introduction to other cultures, countries, and concepts is equally so. Books break down the barriers between these – transporting children to the other side of the world, introducing them to animals and plants they didn’t know existed and people of nationalities about which they had never heard. It educates and introduces them to these at an age when they haven’t had the chance to form any prejudices or preconceptions. Their mind is open to ideas and happy to receive them as they are. This form of education can be so important for their future development and ensuring they become a kind, well-rounded person.
Conversation creator
Reading encourages independent thought and can create interesting, engaging conversations and discussions. It provides children with information and opinions that they can consider and contemplate long after the book has been put back on the shelf. Consuming books can prompt questions and spark their curiosity, supplying them with knowledge applicable to future conversations with fellow pupils, teachers, and family members.
These are just some of the many benefits of bedtime reading! An activity which can have a significantly positive impact on their mind, body, and soul. Next time you put your little one into their choice of kids’ nightwear and tuck them into bed, ask them if they would like to choose their own book for a bedtime story – or use your imagination and make one up!
Do you have fond memories of bedtime stories as a child? Let us know in the comments which books you remember reading with your parents before they tucked you in and turned off the lights. Or share which stories you read to the child you care for - are they classics from your childhood or more modern renditions? Perhaps others will find inspiration in your answers!
To find cosy, comfy options for their pyjamas, you can browse our wide range of children’s nightwear.
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